Chiloé Travel Guide: What to See, Do and Eat on Chiloé Island!

Chiloé is an undiscovered enchantment blessed in nature, rural landscapes, delicious seafood and colourful UNESCO churches.

This windswept archipelago is located in the south of Chile and is the largest island in the country.

Arriving from the high urban sophistication that is Santiago, we immediately noticed the distinctive changes in architecture. Colourful houses sit on stilts along the water edges, covered by traditional wood shingles, which is also the theme for many stylish small hotels and restaurants dotted around the island’s capital, Castro.

But perhaps, more striking are the iconic wooden churches, 16 of which are UNESCO world heritage sites found all around the island.

The rich culture, friendly Chilotes (the name given to locals) and peacefully stunning nature, give this isle a truly distinctive identity in South America.

What to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience on Chiloé Island

Castro

Castro is the cosy capital of the Chiloé Province. It is home to the UNESCO San Francisco Church located next to the main plaza, just look out for the flamboyant yellow coloured building and you’ll see it. This unconventional visual delight was built in 1912 to replace an earlier church that had burnt down.

Once you’ve admired the neo-Gothic and classical architecture of the church, wander through the Plaza de Armas where you’ll find a handcraft fair selling all sorts of wonderful items. The plaza hosts the Festival Costumbrista, a celebration of Chilote customs, food, and crafts so if you’re around in February, head down.

It’s best to see the town on foot, so take a stroll from Plaza de Armas and walk up the hill towards the mirador (viewpoint) to get a bird’s eye view of the city’s unique and colourful timber palafitos houses. These stilt supported homes were once the dwellings of most of the fishermen of Southern Chile.

Ancud

Ancud, the former capital of Chiloé, was an international port until the 20th century. Today it is a mix of traditional Chilote buildings, docks and plazas, government buildings and the Museo Regional de Ancud, which contains exhibits about Chilote culture and mythology.

Other places of interest include the fish, vegetable and handicraft market, the harbour, and the historical centre with its shingled houses.

Muelle de Las Almas (Dock of Souls)

Inspired by the traditional belief that the souls of the dead sail away, a local artist has marked native culture by installing a wooden sculpture, a bridge, near the small village of Cucao. The views from the cliff are remarkable and if you can catch the sunset there, you’re in for a treat.

To get there either rent a car (45-minute drive) or catch a local bus to Cucao (1.5-hour ride). The bus will drop you outside a restaurant called Terrasa de Cucao from where you need to catch another bus to Muelle de las Almas (30-minute ride and the last bus in that direction leaves at 3 pm).

The rest is a scenic 45-minute hike through pleasant woods and fields, taking you to the cliffs and a picturesque bridge.

The last bus departs Muelle de las Almas is at 5.30pm.

Don’t miss it!

Chiloé National Park

If you are going to Muelle de las Almas, then you will pass this place, so make sure you fit it into your schedule. Get lost in this bosky forest and admire a variety of Chilote wildlife, including 110 different birds, foxes and the world’s smallest deer, the pudú. Nature lovers will appreciate this spot.

UNESCO World Heritage Churches

Perhaps one of the things Chiloé is most famous for are its unique churches.

Many were constructed almost entirely from native wood in the Chilote architecture style with each one having its own individual colour scheme.

There are many churches in and around the island and UNESCO has recognised 16 of them for their unique cultural value.

Everything seems to be connected to the sea in Chiloé and the churches are no exception, shipbuilders constructed many of the wooden churches and the designs reflect the techniques of their craft.

You probably won’t manage to see all of them, but try to get to Tenaún for one of the prettiest ones on the island which has a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean.

Cascadas de Tocoihue

The gorgeous waterfalls of Tocoihue are set in a thick green forest and are unique on the island. If you are heading to Tenún, make sure to stop off here.

Isla de las Almas Navigantes

Located 64 kilometres from Castro, in the town of Quemchi, is a tiny island where the souls of sea navigators and locals are laid to rest in a small cemetery.

The path to the all green island resembles a painting, with a beautiful bridge leading to this patch of land is perfect for nature lovers.

The island inhabits a variety of birds, such as the Kinffisher and the Tiuque as well as an abundance of flora. It’s perfect for a short walk.

The place can be explored in just 10 minutes.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the sea channels of the island. Many agencies offer the activity, which takes you around the calm lakes and lagoons as you visit the villages around the island. If you love the water and tranquillity, this one is for you.

What to eat in Chiloé

Chiloé is famed for its hundreds of colourful potatoes, and on this island, they really work well with what nature has gifted them.

Earth ovens are particularly used in Chilote cuisine with hearty portions of shellfish and potatoes.

One traditional dish that’s cooked in this way is curanto; seafood, meat and potatoes are placed on hot coals in a hole dug in the ground, and then covered with large leaves and left to steam.

Seafood is obviously not to be missed here, one of my favourites, ceviche, is prepared to perfection in Castro.

Fortunately, the best place to have this delicious dish also happens to be the cheapest!

Go to Feria Lillo Market in Castro and it will only set you back CLP$3000.

My favourite was the salmon with prawns, but there are many options to choose from. Our friend also bought a small bottle of white wine from a corner shop across the road to complement the ceviche, and that it did!

Another traditional must try, and this one you can easily do yourself, is salmon pizza! They call it Cancato. No, not pizza topped with salmon, the salmon serves as the base of the pizza! That’s right, a healthy pizza!

Well… sort of, at least until you smother it with cheese. We cooked this at our friend’s place and topped the fish with chopped onions, garlic, red peppers, tomatoes and lots of parmesan (you can probably top it with whatever ingredients you want), pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes and voilà.

Where to stay in Chiloé

Castro is the main city on the island, so it’s a good place to base yourself. There is a variety of accommodations to choose from, so it really depends on what you’re after.

Enjoy Chiloé Hotel De La Isla

This slightly upscale hotel will allow you to enjoy Chiloe complete with a hot tub and sauna. Every room provides cable TV, a private bathroom, and there is free onsite parking.

Hostel Backpacker Chiloe Sur

Situated in Castro, it is one of the best-located hostels. It offers free private parking and a cosy atmosphere for guests, with a continental breakfast included.

Cabins

In a place like Chiloé, lodgings in a cabin are most fitting. We stayed with a friend who had built his own perfect cabin, completely immersed in nature and overlooking the water. It’s the most peaceful and tranquil place to stay.

A lot of the cabins are located on or near the water, completely surrounded by nature and can be found on Airbnb.

If you’ve never used AirBnB before, you can get a discount here.

How to get to Chiloé

Puerto Montt is the closest mainland bus station to Chiloé, located 1000 km from Santiago. It’s a 13-hour bus journey or 1 hour 50 minutes by plane.

From Puerto Montt, you need to travel a further 90 km southwest towards Pargua, where you have to take the ferry across the Canal de Chacao to get to Chiloé (25-minute ferry ride).

Santiago to Puerto Montt by car takes approximately 13 hours, take Route 5 south to Puerto Montt, and then head southeast toward Pargua.

Travel tips for Chiloé

• Hire a car – it’s probably the best and most convenient way to see the island
• The best time to go weather-wise is January-March (these are the warmest months)
• The coldest months are July-October
• The rainiest months are May-August

More Planning For Chiloé: Tips, Routes, Seasons, Food & Logistics

Chiloé rewards the slow traveler: the kind who lets a sea mist morning decide the start time, who leans into long lunches of curanto and ceviche, and who happily detours for a blue-shingled chapel at the end of a gravel lane. The goal: you step off the ferry already oriented, hungry, and ready to explore.

How Long to Stay & Where to Base

Three full days gives you the island’s “greatest hits” without rushing—Castro’s waterfront and churches, the west-coast cliffs (Muelle de las Ánimas / Muelle de las Almas), and a northern loop to Ancud with market snacking. If you’ve got five, layer in quieter east-side peninsulas (Tenaún, Dalcahue, Quinchao) and a kayaking morning.

• Aim for 3–5 days; add a sixth if you want Quinchao & Achao churches at a stroll.
• Castro = eateries/markets + palafitos; Cucao = park trails + sunsets; Ancud = market & fort history.
• With no car, base in Castro near the terminal for buses/minibuses to Cucao, Dalcahue, and Ancud.
• Sundays are sleepy; plan church interiors and market tastings for weekdays if you can.
• Book Jan–Feb stays earlier; that’s festival & sunshine season.

Stay & Base Cheat Sheet

A Fuss-Free 3-Day Loop (Car or Bus-Friendly)

Think of the island in arcs: Bay & Palafitos, West-Coast Wild, and North-Coast Markets. Keep drives under 90 minutes and pad the golden hour. This itinerary assumes you prefer long lunches over checklist sprints.

• Day 1 (Castro & Tenaún arc): Plaza, San Francisco Church, Feria Lillo ceviche, palafitos stroll; afternoon to Tenaún church + Cascadas de Tocoihue; back to Castro for cancato dinner.
• Day 2 (Cucao & Cliffs): Morning Chiloé National Park boardwalks; lazy lunch; Muelle de las Almas walk for the sunset; sleep in Cucao or return to Castro.
• Day 3 (Ancud arc): Museo Regional, fish/veg market grazing, Fuerte San Antonio; optional Pinguineras de Puñihuil in season; back roads home with golden-light photo stops.

At-a-Glance Day Plan

Weather & When to Go (What It Feels Like)

Chiloé’s climate is maritime-temperate. Think soft summers, brisk evenings, dependable mist, and rain that makes those forests glow. The best hiking comfort is Jan–Mar.

• Mornings can be foggy—photograph after 10:00 or lean into the mist.
• West-coast winds pick up mid-afternoon; plan cliff walks for late day.
• Markets run rain or shine—stash a packable umbrella.
• Shoulder months = cheaper rooms, richer greens.

Ferries, Roads & Rental Reality

Getting to Chiloé is straightforward: Route 5 to Pargua, 25-minute ferry hop, then south toward Castro. Rentals from Puerto Montt make the most sense. Buses and colectivos fill the gaps if you’re car-free.

• Ferry runs every ~15–30 minutes; you pay onboard, card accepted.
• Keep half-tank minimum—stations thin out near Cucao.
• Download offline maps (cell dips in park/peninsulas).
• Bus-only plan? Base in Castro; minibuses reach Cucao, Dalcahue, Ancud.

Transport & Perks Cheat Sheet

Eat Like a Chilote (Markets, Countryside & Home-Style)

Beyond your lomitos and ceviche, Chiloé’s food sings when it’s earth-ovened, wood-smoked, and potato-rich. Markets are your friend. Countryside cocinerías are your secret.

• Try milcao (grated & mashed potato cakes), chapalele (boiled potato dumplings).
• Order curanto al hoyo (earth-oven feast) when offered; “a la olla” (pot) is great too.
• Cancato DIY: salmon as “pizza crust” with peppers, tomato, cheese.
• Drink murta (Chilean guava) liqueur or a chicha sip with locals.

Food Hunt Cheat Sheet